FAQs

Faxed requisitions may take approximately 24–48 hours to appear in our system. If your requisition was sent recently, please allow this time before checking whether it has been received.

Yes. Contact GNMI and our team can check whether your requisition has been received. If it was faxed within the last 24–48 hours, it may not yet appear in our system.

Please contact your doctor’s office and ask them to resend the requisition. If you have a copy of the requisition, you can also submit it through GNMI’s secure online booking process.

Your requisition should include the required patient information, the requested examination, relevant clinical information and the referring healthcare provider’s information. Missing or incorrect information may delay processing.

An incomplete requisition may need to be corrected before it can be processed. GNMI may contact you or your referring healthcare provider to obtain the missing information.

If a required physician signature is missing, the requisition may need to be corrected before it can be processed. Please ask your healthcare provider to send a completed requisition.

Your requisition is reviewed and processed before an appointment is finalized. The clinical information provided helps determine the appropriate imaging protocol and whether any additional information is required.

Receiving your requisition is the first step. Some MRI and CT requests require review before an appointment can be scheduled. Additional medical information may also be required before booking can be completed.

Yes. Depending on the examination, GNMI may request previous imaging reports, surgical reports, implant information or other medical documentation before the exam can be approved or scheduled.

Please have your full name, date of birth and health card information available. It is also helpful to know the name of your referring healthcare provider and approximately when the requisition was sent.

GNMI may contact you by phone, text message or email using the contact information provided with your referral or booking request.

Contact GNMI to check the status of your requisition. Our team can confirm whether it has been received, whether it is still being processed or whether additional information is required.

No. You do not need to submit the same requisition separately to multiple GNMI locations.

Let our team know that you are willing to travel. Depending on the examination and availability, another GNMI location may have an earlier appointment.

Yes. Depending on the examination and availability, you may be added to a cancellation or short-notice list after your requisition has been processed.

Your requisition generally needs to be received and processed before an earlier cancellation appointment can be arranged.

It can. Patients who are flexible with dates, locations and appointment times may have more opportunities to accept appointments that become available through cancellations.

Yes. Depending on the examination and availability, our team may be able to check alternate GNMI locations for an earlier appointment.

A GNMI live team member can assist with appointment cancellation requests.

A GNMI live team member can assist with rescheduling and can review available appointment options with you.

Contact GNMI so we can confirm your appointment date, time, location and preparation instructions.

Please follow the arrival time included with your appointment instructions. Arrival requirements may vary depending on the examination.

Bring your valid health card and any other documents or information requested in your appointment instructions.

Report turnaround times vary depending on the examination and current reporting volume. A standard turnaround may be approximately 10–12 business days, but reports can take longer during periods of higher volume.

Each examination is reviewed separately. Reports from different examinations may therefore be completed at different times.

If there is an urgent clinical reason that your report is needed sooner, contact GNMI and provide the details. The request may be escalated for review.

An exact turnaround time cannot be guaranteed. Urgent requests are escalated for review and completed as quickly as possible.

Contact GNMI so we can verify whether the report has been completed and sent. If necessary, the report can be resent to your healthcare provider.

Requests for direct communication with a radiologist may need to come from your referring healthcare provider. Your doctor can contact GNMI regarding the appropriate process.

Yes. Diagnostic images may become available before the written radiology report has been completed.

GNMI uses PocketHealth to provide patients with online access to available imaging records and reports.

Images may become available through PocketHealth within approximately 24–48 hours once the imaging records are ready. The written radiology report may take longer.

Contact GNMI so we can confirm that the complete imaging study was uploaded. If the study was successfully uploaded but is not displaying correctly, you may need to contact PocketHealth for technical assistance.

Diagnostic imaging files are not normally sent directly by email. Images can be accessed through PocketHealth or through GNMI’s image-request process.

Yes. Imaging studies can be provided on a CD when required. Contact the clinic where your examination was performed to arrange the request.

No. The CD contains the diagnostic images. The written radiology report is provided separately.

Yes. PocketHealth allows patients to access and share available imaging records with healthcare providers.

Healthcare providers may be able to access GNMI imaging electronically through the appropriate physician imaging portal or image-sharing process.

No. Physician imaging portals are intended for authorized healthcare providers. Patients should use the patient image and report access options provided by GNMI.

For CT examinations that require IV contrast, the contrast is administered through a vein to help improve the visibility of certain tissues, organs and blood vessels on the CT images.

The CT protocol is determined from the requested examination and your clinical information. Whether contrast is required depends on the type of CT examination and the reason it was ordered.

It depends on the type of CT examination. Some CT scans require fasting while others do not. Follow the preparation instructions provided specifically for your appointment.

Some CT examinations require you to drink water before your appointment, while others do not. Follow the preparation instructions provided for your specific CT examination.

The answer depends on the CT protocol. Your appointment instructions will tell you whether water is permitted and whether you need to drink a specific amount before the scan.

The examination time depends on the type of CT scan being performed. Some CT examinations may take approximately 20 minutes, while others may take longer depending on the protocol.

Kidney function can be important when IV contrast is being considered. Tell GNMI if you have kidney disease or have been asked to provide recent kidney-function test results.

No, MRI does not produce ionizing radiation like X-rays or CT. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images.

There are no known side effects after a routine MRI scan.

Yes. MRI service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at GNMI’s Mississauga and Ajax MRI locations.

It can. Patients who are flexible with appointment times may have more opportunities to accept short-notice or cancellation appointments.

MRI contrast is administered through an IV into a vein. The contrast helps improve the visibility and clarity of certain tissues and structures on the MRI images.

The MRI protocol is determined from your requisition and clinical information. A radiologist may determine whether contrast is required based on the reason for your examination.

Not always. The requisition and clinical history may need to be reviewed before the appropriate MRI protocol can be determined.

Yes. MRI patients must complete safety screening before the examination.

You may be asked about previous surgeries, implanted medical devices, pacemakers, stents, coils, artificial heart valves, neurostimulators, metal fragments, kidney disease, hearing devices and previous exposure to metal.

GNMI may need to ask additional questions or request medical records before your MRI can be booked or performed.

It depends on the type of MRI you are having. Some MRI examinations require fasting while others have no food or drink restrictions. Follow the preparation instructions provided specifically for your examination.

Yes. If your specific MRI does not require fasting or other preparation, you can generally eat and drink normally.

Yes. Remove jewelry, piercings and other removable metal items before your MRI. Clothing containing metal may also need to be removed or changed.

The length of an MRI depends on the body part and type of examination. Some routine MRI scans may take approximately 20–25 minutes on the scanner, while more complex examinations may take longer.

No. GNMI does not currently offer an open MRI machine.

GNMI has MRI systems with different bore sizes. If you require a larger-bore MRI, contact GNMI so we can confirm the appropriate location and equipment for your examination.

Yes. GNMI offers 3 Tesla MRI technology. If your requisition specifically requires a 3T MRI, contact GNMI so the appropriate location and protocol can be confirmed.

Tell your referring healthcare provider and GNMI before your appointment. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help with claustrophobia. If medication is prescribed, bring it with you and tell clinic staff when you arrive.

Patients with a cardiac pacemaker or implanted cardiac device must be referred to a hospital for MRI imaging.

Tell GNMI about the implanted device before your MRI. We may need the type, model, manufacturer, material and implantation information so the device can be reviewed for MRI compatibility.

You may. GNMI may request an implant card, surgical report, surgeon’s notes or other documentation before confirming that the MRI can safely proceed.

MRI uses a strong magnetic field. The safety and compatibility of implanted devices must therefore be evaluated even when the implant is located away from the body part being scanned.

Tell GNMI before your MRI. Additional safety screening may be required, and you may be asked to provide an orbital X-ray or related report before the MRI can proceed.

Tell GNMI before your examination if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Your examination may require additional review, and you may be asked to discuss the MRI with your referring healthcare provider before proceeding.

Not always. Depending on the examinations and imaging protocols, different body areas may need to be scheduled as separate appointments.

Yes. GNMI offers MRI arthrograms for selected joints, including the shoulder, knee and hip.

An MRI arthrogram is detailed joint imaging in which contrast is injected into the joint under imaging guidance before the MRI is performed.

MRI arthrogram requests are handled through a specialized booking process. Submit your requisition to GNMI and the appropriate team will review the request and arrange the appointment.

Depending on availability, patients waiting for an MRI arthrogram may be offered an earlier appointment if a cancellation becomes available.

Yes. MRI appointments must be confirmed. Appointments that are not confirmed at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time may be cancelled.

A $75 no-show charge applies if you fail to attend your MRI appointment.

Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice when requesting an MRI appointment change.

No. Because fetuses are very sensitive to radiation, BMD tests are usually postponed until after pregnancy. If there is any chance of pregnancy, take a home test before your BMD appointment.

No. Due to ionizing radiation, only qualified technologists may remain in the room during the scan.

Usually no. Wear comfortable clothing without metal (no zippers, snaps, belts, metal accessories).

Yes. Max weight 350 lbs; max height 6'4".

A low-dose X-ray test that assesses fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral content. The scan takes about 6–10 minutes. More info: GNMI DEXA service.

Wear clothing without metal. Avoid strenuous exercise beforehand. Do not attend if pregnant. Recent barium/contrast/radioisotope procedures can interfere—let us know.

Most medically necessary services are covered by OHIP. A small percentage are private pay if not medically indicated or if the patient does not have OHIP.

A private pay screening exam (not OHIP-covered). Requires a requisition; we can help obtain one. Performed at GNMI Mississauga or Ajax.

They are not physicians. Only your doctor can diagnose or advise treatment.

Discouraged. Some tests use radiation and the exam room must remain distraction-free. Children cannot enter radiation rooms.

Yes. Tell reception and we will forward a copy.

You may request a preference; we will try to accommodate, but availability isn’t guaranteed.

Yes. It’s a medical order—tests are performed only when requested by an authorized provider.

No. We accept valid requisitions from any licensed physician or authorized provider.

Most tests require booking. General X-ray is walk-in; ultrasound/MRI/CT and specialized studies are booked.

Use gnmi.ca/book-appointment.

We lack mechanical lifts. If you need only minimal help and can assist, we may accommodate; please bring a support person.

Book at gnmi.ca/book-appointment .

Most routine procedures are scheduled within two weeks; MRI/CT or specialized ultrasound may be longer.

Varies by location: ultrasound, X-ray, mammography, bone density, MRI, CT, and more. See gnmi.ca/services.

No. Because mammography uses ionizing radiation, only staff may be in the room.

For acute issues, ultrasound is usually first. Routine screening is generally deferred ~6 months after breastfeeding ends.

Routine screening is avoided during pregnancy. With symptoms, ultrasound is first; further imaging per radiologist.

The first 14 days after your period often feel less tender and more comfortable.

Yes. We use specialized techniques and extra views to visualize tissue around implants.

Not necessarily. Recalls are common (about 10%) to obtain clearer/more detailed views.

Compression can be uncomfortable but shouldn’t be severely painful—tell the technologist if it is.

Avoid deodorant/antiperspirant/lotions on underarms or breasts the day of your exam.

A two-piece outfit (you’ll change from the waist up into a gown).

See Dense Breasts Canada: densebreastscanada.ca.

OBSP screening: ages 40–75, typically every two years; requisition not required.

Residue can mimic micro-calcifications on images.

Yes—separates overlapping tissue for clearer images and lower dose.

Yes. Men with lumps or risk factors should consult their physician.

Temporary headache, flushing, shortness of breath, nausea or chest discomfort may occur (5–10 minutes). Aminophylline can reverse effects.

Not strictly—total fluids matter and any caffeine restrictions specific to your test.

Possibly. Bring an updated medication list to Part 1; staff will advise what to pause before Part 2.

Bone scan shows bone metabolism/activity; X-ray shows structure/anatomy.

Part 1 ~15 minutes; Part 2 ~30–60 minutes depending on history and area imaged.

Typically fast 3 hours before stress time; light breakfast and insulin 3–4 hours prior if directed by your physician.

Usually no—you should feel fine to drive unless told otherwise.

No special prep unless instructed. Eat/take meds as usual; bring a full medication list.

Fast at least 4 hours; avoid caffeine 12 hours (including “decaf”). Avoid smoking/chewing gum 2 hours.

No special preparation unless otherwise instructed.

Risk is extremely low but not zero. Cardiologist/technologist monitor you; emergency equipment is on hand.

Heart muscle blood flow and coronary artery narrowing by comparing rest vs stress images.

You walk on a treadmill with gradual increases while we monitor ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure (about 5–10 minutes).

Small tracer injection → wait ~30–45 minutes → imaging ~20 minutes under a gamma camera.

Stress via treadmill or Persantine → tracer injection → wait ~30–45 minutes → imaging ~20 minutes.

IV medication dilates vessels to mimic exercise—used if you cannot exercise adequately.

Your referring physician recommends; our cardiologist confirms the safest approach before testing.

Timing depends on body area, disease factors, and camera availability. Return is usually 2–5 hours after Part 1.

Allowing clearance of the first tracer improves image quality for Part 2.

Helps clear unused tracer to reduce background and improve image contrast (aim for 750–1000 ml unless restricted).

Time is needed for tracer to localize in bone tissue for accurate imaging.

Tracer injections are considered safe and typically cause no side effects.

It decays naturally; hydration helps your body clear it faster.

Sensitive detectors may pick up tracer for up to a week. Request a medical note if traveling soon after.

We try to schedule early morning. Tell the booking clerk you’re diabetic so we can time and advise appropriately.

No. Recording is not permitted. We can provide printed still images.

Yes. Eating introduces gas that degrades imaging; fasting improves quality.

Partially void ½–1 cup to ease pain; don’t empty completely unless instructed.

Yes. If fasting, take with a small sip of water; if meds need food, take immediately after your scan.

Tell the sonographer immediately. Positioning/pressure can be adjusted; the exam can be paused or stopped.

Food increases bowel gas and contracts the gall bladder, both reducing visibility. Fasting improves imaging.

Both increase swallowed air and bowel gas, degrading images. Avoid for 2 hours prior.

A full bladder is easier to see and pushes bowel aside for clearer pelvic views.

To keep gel off clothing. If you choose not to change, we can proceed but can’t guarantee clothes stay dry.

No. Preparation depends on the type of ultrasound being performed. Some examinations require fasting, some require a full bladder, some require both and others require no special preparation. Follow the instructions provided for your specific appointment.

Contact GNMI before your appointment so we can confirm the preparation required for your specific ultrasound examination.

Non-urgent X-rays are usually postponed. If benefits outweigh risks, your physician will guide; alternatives without radiation may be used.

No—standard X-rays are walk-in.

When clinically justified and performed properly, exposure is low and considered safe.

X-ray reports are not always available immediately. Turnaround time can vary depending on the location and current reporting volume. If your report is not available after the expected reporting period, contact the clinic where your examination was performed.